Synthetic Green Cup Plug

ABSTRACT

An article of manufacture for providing a synthetic golf green replacement cup according to the present invention in which the golf green replacement plug fills a cup when it is not in use. the cup has a side wall, an inner diameter, and a flagstaff receptacle. The replacement plug includes a plug insert, a cup insert having a top and bottom end, and a top layer material for providing a flush layer across the replacement plug with surrounding surface about the cup. The plug insert has a top surface having a plurality of drain holes, an outer plug surface having an outer diameter matching the inner diameter of the cup, a hollow inner cavity from a bottom edge to the top surfacem and a set of connecting threads about the bottom edge of the plug insert for a adjusting a height of the top surface from a bottom edge of the cup. The cup insert has a sloping bottom surface, a flagstaff receptacle contour extending from the bottom of the cup insert, the flagstaff receptacle contour having an outer diameter matching an inner diameter of the flagstaff receptacle, and a set of mating threads about the top end of the cup insert, the set of mating threads engage the set of connecting threads of the plug insert to adjust a position of the top surface of the plug insert when installed in the cup.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture forproviding a sporting goods device, and more specifically, to an articleof manufacture for providing a synthetic golf green replacement cup.

BACKGROUND

Golf courses and practice greens typically desire to move a location ofa cup on various holes to provide golfers with a different set ofchallenges each time these golfers play the course or practice on aputting green. Moving a cup from one location to another on the greenscan be done by providing a putting surface over the prior cup locationto eliminate evidence of the prior location once the cup has been moved.Both functionally and aesthetically, the prior location of the cup isdesired to appear as if the cup had never moved. Current approaches donot provide an adequate solution to this problem in a simple and easilyrepeatable way.

Therefore, a need exists for an article of manufacture for providing asynthetic golf green replacement cup. The present invention attempts toaddress the limitations and deficiencies in prior solutions according tothe principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problemsare solved by providing an article of manufacture for a synthetic golfgreen replacement cup according to the principles and exampleembodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of manufactureproviding a synthetic golf green replacement cup. The golf greenreplacement plug fills a cup when it is not in use. the cup has a sidewall, an inner diameter, and a flagstaff receptacle. The replacementplug includes a plug insert, a cup insert having a top and bottom end,and a top layer material for providing a flush layer across thereplacement plug with surrounding surface about the cup. The plug inserthas a top surface having a plurality of drain holes, an outer plugsurface having an outer diameter matching the inner diameter of the cup,a hollow inner cavity from a bottom edge to the top surface and a set ofconnecting threads about the bottom edge of the plug insert for aadjusting a height of the top surface from a bottom edge of the cup. Thecup insert has a sloping bottom surface, a flagstaff receptacle contourextending from the bottom of the cup insert, the flagstaff receptaclecontour having an outer diameter matching an inner diameter of theflagstaff receptacle, and a set of mating threads about the top end ofthe cup insert, the set of mating threads engage the set of connectingthreads of the plug insert to adjust a position of the top surface ofthe plug insert when installed in the cup.

In another aspect of the present invention, the top layer material iscoupled to the top surface of the plug insert using adhesives.

In another aspect of the present invention, the top layer material ismade of a synthetic material to visually hide the use of the replacementplug when installed.

In another aspect of the present invention, the plug insert and the cupinsert are made of a plastic material made by injection molding.

In another aspect of the present invention, the plug insert and the cupinsert are made by a 3D printer.

In another aspect of the present invention, the set of connectingthreads are female threads about the inner surface of the cavity of theplug insert.

In another aspect of the present invention, the set of mating threadsare male threads about an outer surface the cup insert.

In another aspect of the present invention, the plurality of drain holesprovide a path from the top surface into the hollow inner cavity.

In another aspect of the present invention, a drain path through the cupplug into the flagstaff receptacle permits water within the hollow innercavity to drain out of the cup.

In another aspect of the present invention, the replacement plug adjuststo a height between 4 and 6 inches by rotating the plug insert about thecup insert as the set of connecting threads engage the set of matingthreads.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of theinvention, both as to its organization and method of operation, togetherwith further objects and advantages will be better understood from thefollowing description when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, thateach of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration anddescription only and is not intended as a definition of the limits ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates example embodiments of an article of manufactureproviding a synthetic golf green replacement plug according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an article of manufactureproviding a synthetic golf green replacement plug according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 a-c illustrate components used in an article of manufacture forproviding a synthetic golf green replacement plug according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an assembled view of components used in an article ofmanufacture providing a synthetic golf green replacement plug accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an installed embodiment of an article of manufactureproviding a synthetic golf green replacement plug according to thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture forproviding a sporting goods device, and more specifically, to an articleof manufacture providing a synthetic golf green replacement cupaccording to the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsrepresent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views.Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of theinvention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attachedhereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification arenot intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the manypossible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the followingterminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features,steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, steps or components. It also should be notedthat in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts notedmay occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twofigures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantiallyconcurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order,depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

The terms “individual” and “user” refer to an entity, e.g., a human,using an article of manufacture providing a synthetic golf greenreplacement cup according to the present invention. The term user hereinrefers to one or more users.

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the inventionbeing applied for via the patent application with the title “SyntheticGreen Cup Plug.” Invention may be used interchangeably with plug.

In general, the present disclosure relates to an article of manufactureproviding a synthetic golf green replacement cup according to thepresent invention. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1illustrates example embodiments of an article of manufacture providing asynthetic golf green replacement plug according to the presentinvention. The cup 101 a-d on a golf course green 105 is typicallyplaced in various locations to present golfers with different challengesas they hit approach shots to get a golf ball 107 onto the green 105 andthen putt the golf ball 107 into the cup 101 a-d. The location of thecup 101 a-d on the golf course green 105 relative to the orientation ofthe fairway, to the location of any hazards such as sand traps andwater, and to specific contours of the green itself affect thedifficulty of a particular hole. For example, a golfer may not be ableto see the flag 102 a-c in the cup 101 a-d when taking an approach shottoward the green 105 because of the slope of the terrain in between thegolfer and the green 105 or the location of trees or similarobstructions. Alternatively, a green 105 may slope in a particulardirection in which the approach shot may roll down hill, either towardor away from the cup 101 a-d, depending upon a current location of thecup 101 a-d.

On the golf course green 105 depicted in FIG. 1 , a cup 101 a-d is shownat a previous location 101 a and then moved to a new position 101b.Future positions of the cup 101 c-d also are shown. When a cup 101 a-dis moved from its prior location to the current location 101 b, theexistence of the prior location 101 a must be disguised to appear to bepart of the green 105. Additionally, the prior location 101 a must alsoprovide a continuously smooth surface over the prior location 101 a topermit a golf ball 107 to roll over the prior location in the samemanner the golf ball 107 rolls across the green 105.

The present invention permits the golf course operator to install aplurality of cups 101 a-d at various locations and easily and quicklymove the current location to be used by golfers. The current locationmay be switched to any other location at any time as determined by thegolf course operator.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an article of manufactureproviding a synthetic golf green replacement plug according to thepresent invention. A golf green cup 201 is shown having a cover plug 202coupled within the golf green cup 201 and having a top surface 217 witha plurality of drain holes 223 a-n.

The golf green cup 201 is sized to provide a cup opening that meets thedimensions of the golf green cup 201 desired by the golf courseoperator. This cup 201 will typically have a standard diameter asrequired by the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) or a relatedstandards organization. The golf green cup 201 has a standard depth aswell to permit a golf ball 107 to drop completely into the cup 201 andbelow the surface of the golf course green 105.

FIG. 3 a-c illustrate components used in an article of manufacture forproviding a synthetic golf green replacement plug according to thepresent invention. FIG. 3 a illustrates components used in an article ofmanufacture for providing a synthetic golf green replacement plug 101 iaccording to the present invention. The golf green cup 201 is shown withthe replacement plug 202 removed exposing the inner walls 301 of thegolf green cup 201. A flagstick receptacle 302 is shown on the center ofa bottom surface 304 of the golf green cup 201. A flagstick (not shown)has a shaft with a standard diameter and the flagstick receptacle 302 issized to be slightly larger to permit the flagstick shaft to easilyslide into and out of the flagstick receptacle 302. Additionally, theflagstick receptacle 302 has a depth sufficient to support the flagstickstaff in a vertical orientation and remain within the flagstickreceptacle 302 in all forms of weather.

The cup insert 311 having a top and bottom end, comprises a slopingbottom surface 311, a flagstaff receptacle contour 312 extending fromthe bottom of the cup insert 311, and a set of mating threads about thetop end of the cup insert, the set of mating threads 321 engage the setof connecting threads 322 of the plug insert to adjust a position of thetop surface 217 of the plug insert 314 when installed in the cup. Theflagstaff receptacle contour 312 having an outer diameter matching aninner diameter of the flagstaff receptacle of the cup 201.

As shown below in reference to FIGS. 4-5 , the replacement plug 202 ismade using a plug inert 314, a cup insert 311, and a top layer material402 for providing a flush layer across the replacement plug withsurrounding surface about the cup 201. The plug insert 314 has a topsurface having a plurality of drain holes 323a-n, an outer plug surfacehaving an outer diameter matching the inner diameter of the cup, ahollow inner cavity 326 from a bottom edge to the top surface 214, and aset of connecting threads 322 about the bottom edge of the plug insertfor a adjusting a height of the top surface from a bottom edge of thecup 201.

A plurality of drain slots 303a-n are cut through the bottom surface 304of the cup 101i to permit any accumulation of water that collects withinthe golf green cup 201 to drain out into the ground beneath the golfgreen cup 201 when the cup is installed within a golf course green 105.The plurality of drain slots 303 a-n may be of any size, shape, andnumber as needed to allow any accumulated water to quickly drain out ofthe golf green cup 201.

The replacement plug 202 is shown adjacent to the golf green cup 201showing a top surface 314 coupled on top of a plug 311. The plug 311 hasa shape that matches the bottom surface 304 in the golf green cup 201. Areceptacle insert 312 is positioned in the center of the replacementplug 202 to permit the receptacle insert 312 to be inserted into theflag stick receptacle 302. When the replacement plug 202 is installedwithin the golf green cup 201, the top surface 314 is sized to align thetop surface 314 with the surface of the golf course green 105 around theinstalled golf course cup 101 i.

A plurality of golf green cups 201 with cover plugs 202 may be installedat various locations of the golf course green 105 as shown in FIG. 1 .The cover plug 202 of the location where the golf course operatordesired to locate the cup 101 a-d is removed to expose the golf greencup 201 and permit a flagstick 102 a-c to be inserted therein. All ofthe other golf green cups 101 a-d will have their corresponding coverplugs 202 installed presenting a single cup for golfers to use.

FIG. 3 b-c illustrate components used in an article of manufacture forproviding a synthetic golf green replacement cup according to thepresent invention. The cover plug 202 comprises a plug insert 314 and acup insert 311. The plug insert 314 and the cup insert 311 are threadedtogether with mating threads 421-422 that are molded/printed into the acup insert 314 (male thread) and a plug insert 314 (female thread) orvice versa of the plug 202. The plug insert 314 and the cup insert 311are threaded to allow for adjustability in the height of the plug toaccommodate different cup depths (typically 4″ or 6″ depths), cupmaterials, and synthetic turf materials, and to accommodate other cupand turf installation methods during construction of a synthetic puttinggreen. The plug insert 314 and a cup insert are constructed out of aplastic material such as ABS, ASA, PET, or similar via 3D printing orinjection molding.

FIGS. 4 illustrates an assembled view of components used in an articleof manufacture providing a synthetic golf green replacement plugaccording to the present invention. Another embodiment of a set of theinner components of the golf green cup 101 a-d is shown comprising a topsurface layer 402, a plug insert 414, and a cup insert 411. The topsurface layer 402 is made of a synthetic material 403 that will appearto match the grass surface of a golf course green 105. As disclosedabove, the top surface layer 404 of the plug insert 414 has a height toposition its top surface flush with the surface of the green 105 wheninstalled.

The plug insert 414 fills the golf green cup 401 to provide a flat topsurface 404 that provides a support base for the top surface layer 402.The plug insert 414 is coupled to the cup insert 411 using the treadedconnections as described above with reference to FIGS. 3 a -c. Theposition adjustment threading (not shown) is used to control the heightof the flat top surface 404 when the entire device is inserted into acup 401. As the position adjustment threading 425 rotates in position,the height of the flat top surface 404 relative to the height of thegolf green cup 401 may be raised and lowered to permit the top surfacelayer material 403 to be positioned flush with the golf course green 105surface.

Cup 401 is a part that is already manufacture and currently installed ongolf courses. the plug is designed to fit inside of the existing cupsfrom various manufactures. The cup insert 411 mimics the shape/design ofthe bottom of the cup 401 and simply rest on the bottom of the cup 401.The cup insert 411 comprises a sloping bottom surface 414 and aflagstaff receptacle contour 412 extending from the bottom of the cupinsert 401. Both the flat top support 404 have drainage perforations 423a-n, 424 a-n permitting water to drain through the combined plug insert414 and cup insert 411 and into the golf green cup 401.

FIG. 5 illustrates an installed embodiment of an article of manufactureproviding a synthetic golf green replacement plug according to thepresent invention. The plug 202 is shown in a cup 401 that has beeninstalled into a green 105. The entire plug 202 comprising the upperplug insert 414 and the lower cup insert 411 are inserted into the cup401 such that the flagstaff receptacle contour 412 is inserted into andengages the flagstaff receptacle of the cup 401. The entire plug 202 mayalso be completely removed to expose the cup 401 for use.

The top surface layer 402 is shown above the plug 202 and may be coupledto the top of the plug insert 414 using adhesives. The plug 202 isadjusted to position the top layer surface 402 at a position permittingit to appear flush with the rest of the green 105. The height of theplug 202 may be adjusted by turning plug insert 414 and the cup insert411 about their mating threading 421-422.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in thepresent application, these combinations are not intended to limit thedisclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may becombined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In otherwords, any of the features mentioned in this application may be includedin this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow thefunctionality required for the desired operations.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application shouldbe construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitlydescribed as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean“based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of manufacture for providing asynthetic golf green replacement plug, the golf green replacement plugfilling a cup when it is not in use, the cup having a side wall, aninner diameter, and a flagstaff receptacle, the replacement plugcomprises: a plug insert, the plug insert comprising: a top surfacehaving a plurality of drain holes; an outer plug surface having an outerdiameter matching the inner diameter of the cup; a hollow inner cavityfrom a bottom edge to the top surface; and a set of connecting threadsabout the bottom edge of the plug insert for a adjusting a height of thetop surface from a bottom edge of the cup; a cup insert having a top andbottom end, the cup insert comprising: a sloping bottom surface; aflagstaff receptacle contour extending from the bottom of the cupinsert, the flagstaff receptacle contour having an outer diametermatching an inner diameter of the flagstaff receptacle; and a set ofmating threads about the top end of the cup insert, the set of matingthreads engage the set of connecting threads of the plug insert toadjust a position of the top surface of the plug insert when installedin the cup; and a top layer material for providing a flush layer acrossthe replacement plug with surrounding surface about the cup.
 2. Thereplacement plug according to claim 1, wherein the top layer material iscoupled to the top surface of the plug insert using adhesives.
 3. Thereplacement plug according to claim 2, wherein the top layer material ismade of a synthetic material to visually hide the use of the replacementplug when installed.
 4. The replacement plug according to claim 1,wherein the plug insert and the cup insert are made of a plasticmaterial made by injection molding.
 5. The replacement plug according toclaim 1, wherein the plug insert and the cup insert are made by a 3Dprinter.
 6. The replacement plug according to claim 1, wherein the setof connecting threads are female threads about the inner surface of thecavity of the plug insert.
 7. The replacement plug according to claim 1,wherein the set of mating threads are male threads about an outersurface the cup insert.
 8. The replacement plug according to claim 7,wherein the plurality of drain holes provide a path from the top surfaceinto the hollow inner cavity.
 9. The replacement plug according to claim8, wherein a drain path through the cup plug into the flagstaffreceptacle permits water within the hollow inner cavity to drain out ofthe cup.
 10. The replacement plug according to claim 1, wherein thereplacement plug adjusts to a height between 4 and 6 inches by rotatingthe plug insert about the cup insert as the set of connecting threadsengage the set of mating threads.